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–+ servings
A white bowl with lemon orzo and basil.

Quick Lemon Orzo Recipe

You'll be needing a big spoon for this wonderfully creamy pasta bowl with silky lemon orzo, baby spinach and peas. Oh, you'll also need around 10-minutes to get this on the table. This is fast food at its most fabulous. 
4.61 from 28 votes
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Course: Main
Cuisine: Pasta
Diet: Vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 3
Calories: 321kcal
Author: Amanda Logan

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 leek white only, finely sliced (use a small white onion in a pinch)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • ½ cup dairy-free milk
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • ⅓ cup green peas frozen or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter spread
  • 1 cup finely sliced spinach
  • ¼ cup vegan parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet or pan over low-medium heat. Add the sliced leek and cook, stirring regularly, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the leek is soft.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute before stirring in the dried oregano and the orzo (risoni).
  • Stir the mixture together and then add the vegetable stock, the lemon zest and juice and the dairy-free milk. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture up to a boil before reducing the heat again to a simmer.
  • Cook the orzo for around 7 minutes, stirring regularly to make sure it doesn't stick to the pan, adding the peas at the 5-minute mark. You want it almost al dente.
  • Remove the orzo from the heat, stir in the sliced baby spinach and a tablespoon of vegan butter and set it aside for a minute for the spinach to wilt and the orzo to finish cooking.
  • Serve with a cook crack of pepper and some fresh herbs. I often use parsley or fresh basil.
  • Add parmesan cheese if you like although it isn't necessary. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Alternative Topping Suggestions
  • finely sliced kale
  • asparagus spears
  • sliced rainbow chard
  • vegan parmesan
  • lots of pepper!
  • roasted chickpeas served on top
  • sautéed shredded oyster mushrooms
  • basil
FAQ's
How long can a keep leftover orzo?
You can refrigerate leftover risoni in a sealed container in the fridge for a day or two. While it will be delicious it won't be as "saucy" after refrigeration.
Can I freeze this lemon orzo?
Yes. Allow the risoni to cool completely before popping it in to a freezer-proof container and freezing it for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 889mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2245IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried This Recipe?I'd love to hear your feedback. Rate it & leave your feedback in the comments section below. Or you can tag @mygoodnesskitchen or hashtag #mygoodnesskitchen on Instagram.